Page 18 of Unmasking Secrets
“Do you think they know she has a bodyguard?” I’m hoping they don’t know. I’d like to keep the element of surprise.
“There’s no telling at this point. I know she’s got an event tonight. It’s your call. I am going to suggest you blend in more if you stay. You need to look more like a date or coworker, not security. Tomorrow, however, I suggest going to a safe house. We’ll get her house sorted. In the meantime, focus on her.
“She released on social media that she would be away, so it doesn’t make sense that people would break in.” I pause. “Unless he was testing out the extra security. I know I can’t convince her not to do her thing tonight. There’s more security, thankfully, because it’s a huge red carpet event.”
“Like I said, it’s your call. I’ve already got a crew cleaning up the mess in her house. We’re going to replace her door with a heavier one with stronger locks.”
“Make it a fortress.”
“Consider it done.”
“You said one guy admitted it was her ex?” This is a good thing. We need something on him.
“He did at the beginning, but has changed his tune since then. They’re all saying they were just looking for things to steal. Unless one of them tells the truth, we’re still stuck in the same position we were before.”
My jaw clenches and teeth grind together. Then, I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Keep me posted. I’ll give you an update in the morning.”
I end the call and slip the phone back into my pocket. Tabitha glances at me. I fake a smile and hope she buys it. She watches me curiously. There’s no way I can tell her what’s happening right now. I want her to focus and enjoy this moment. I’ll tell her when she’s done working.
She would stress, I know her well enough. I can’t let her down. Although now that I’m thinking about it, we should probably head out tonight. We need to leave after the premiere, or possibly during it.
If her ex is as smart as he portrays, he probably already has someone on the way here to watch. Hell, he probably has eyes on her childhood home.
Tyler mentioned a safe house. We’re far from the few we have, but there’s one place in mind. It’s the best option.
The clubhouse.
I may not be a member, but they’re family. They’ve helped Tabitha before. I know Dad would want to know what’s going on too.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
TABITHA
My nerves are shot. It’s the only reasonable explanation of why I feel a little numb. I should feel jumpy. For a moment, I had clenched my hands so tight that I wouldn’t have been surprised if I had caused permanent indentions in my palms.
But that moment passed.
Sure, I’m on edge. I have been ever since Archie told me the news in the hotel room earlier. I’ve been processing ever since. Where do I go from here?
Thankfully, the company hired someone to do hair and makeup for the premiere. I don’t think I’d be able to focus properly. I normally love getting glammed up. It’s fun, and this would normally be a welcome distraction.
Yet, I feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don’t feel hope or peace. I feel the opposite, in fact. Like a storm is brewing, and I don’t know how to prepare for it because I don’t know where it’s coming from.
Archie said we have to leave tonight. We can’t stick around. I’m not arguing with him. He’s making arrangements for us to catch a flight out shortly after we’re spotted and photographed on the red carpet. Our luggage is already in the trunk of a discreet car parked nearby. I don’t know where we’re going. He hasn’t told me. I know it won’t be my house, but it doesn’t really matter—I trust him.
“All done.” Kelsey, the makeup artist, stands back and spins the chair slightly so I can see in the mirror.
“It looks great. Thank you.” I’ve never considered myself a professional actress, even though that’s part of what cosplaying is. Right now, however, I need to put on the best performance of my life—pretend everything is fine. All I want to do is scream, but I have to put a smile on and push through.
I can do this.
Within minutes, I’m dressed in a pretty blue dress worthy of the red carpet, and we’re headed to the premiere. This will be my second time attending an event like this, and I’m bummed we have to leave before it’s over. I think I’m more disappointed that I have to miss the movie.
I plan to tell Max discreetly when we get into the theater and I excuse myself to the restroom. Archie said we can call my agent after we’ve already left. For safety reasons, he doesn’t want anyone to know we’re leaving or where we’re going. He said there can’t be a trace. Not that I can blame him.
It’s paranoia, but it makes sense. I’m freaking out. We don’t know where all Ryan’s reach is. The connections he and his family have could be anyone. First, I need to get through theevent. Thirty minutes of a red carpet moment and pretending everything is great.
I’m still thrilled about the opportunity. It’s exciting, and I have to have faith that one day, my life will be okay. That this will all be over and I can finally close this chapter. It’s the fear lurking in the shadows of my mind that are keeping me from enjoying this event like I should be. Like a monster scratching at the back of a closet door or under the bed. I know someone is there, watching and waiting.
